News Center

Friday, July 29, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS – Occasional “emotional eating” isn't a problem for most people. After all, that's what makes comfort food so appealing. But turning to food every time a person has unpleasant feelings – or even positive ones – can lead to weight gain.

The Emotional Eating Support Group at the St. Francis Weight Loss Center is for anyone trying to lose weight and struggling with emotional overeating, also known as compulsive overeating or binge eating. This group offers support to patients struggling with emotional eating, or using food for reasons other than physical hunger and feeling unable to stop the behavior.

The groups will be led by a therapist at the Center, who has extensive experience providing individual, couples, and group therapy to patients with eating, mental health and addiction issues.

The latest session gets under way 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, with each session held Tuesdays at the St. Francis Weight Loss Center, 5230-A E. Stop 11 Road, across Stop 11 Road from Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis.

Certified in advanced laparoscopy surgery, she has frequently presented on colon and rectal surgical treatments and has been widely published in professional journals.

She was an honors graduate and received her bachelor’s degree in human biology at NorthwesternHealthSciencesUniversity. She also earned doctorates in chiropractic and osteopathic medicine at Northwestern College of Chiropractic and Nova SoutheasternUniversity-College of Osteopathic Medicine, respectively.

A south side Indianapolis resident, Reidy completed a general surgery residency at The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati.

Reidy holds memberships in the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Association of Women Surgeons, AmericanCollege of Surgeons and the American Osteopathic Association.

To learn more about Kendrick Colon and RectalCenter, its physicians and services, visit its website at www.kendrickcenter.com.

Led by President Isaac J. Myers II, St. Francis Medical Group is a multidisciplinary group of more than 160 physicians practicing throughout central Indiana. These physicians offer a variety of primary care and specialty care services and all practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

The award recognizes the center’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients that effectively improves the survival and care of STEMI (ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) patients.

Every year, an estimated 250,000 people experience the STEMI type of heart attack, according to the AHA. Unfortunately, a significant number don't receive prompt reperfusion therapy, which is critical in restoring blood flow.

The St. Francis Heart Center’s systems of care close the gap of timely access to appropriate, life-saving treatments. Before they are discharged, appropriate patients are started on aggressive risk reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, aspirin, ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers in the hospital and receive smoking cessation counseling.

Hospitals receiving the Mission: Lifeline Bronze Performance Achievement Award have demonstrated for 90 consecutive days that at least 85 percent of eligible STEMI patients (without contraindications) are treated within specific time frames upon entering the hospital and discharged following AHA’s recommended treatment guidelines.

INDIANAPOLIS – If you have poor circulation in your legs, causing pain when you walk or stand, it could be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that puts you at high risk for heart disease and stroke.

To see if you are at risk for PAD, sign up for a free Legs for Life screening offered by Franciscan St. Francis Health from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Indianapolis hospital campus, 8111 S. Emerson Ave.

With PAD, the vessels that carry blood to the arms and legs become narrowed or clogged, interfering with the normal flow of blood, sometimes causing pain. Often, however, a person may experience no serious symptoms but still have peripheral artery disease.

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Leg or hip pain when walking but stops when resting

• Numbness, tingling or weakness in legs

• Burning or aching pain in feet or toes when resting

• Sore on leg or foot that won’t heal

• Cold legs or feet

• Color change in skin of legs or feet

• Loss of hair on legs

To qualify for the free screening, participants must be 50 or older and not currently under the care of a cardiologist or vascular surgeon.

Registration for Legs for Life is required. To make an appointment, call 317-782-4422, or toll free at 877-888-1777.

MOORESVILLE, Ind. -- Mark Casillas Jr., M.D., and Luis Oceguera, M.D., have begun their fellowships in the Indiana University School of Medicine Colon and Rectal Residency Program at Kendrick Colon and RectalCenter at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Mooresville.

This is the third year of the program, the first of its kind in central Indiana. Each previous year, Kendrick hosted only one fellow.

Casillas received his master’s degree from the University of Alabama and his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham. He is completing his general surgery residency at St. JosephMercyHospital in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Oceguera received bachelor’s degree at La Sierra University, Riverside, Calif. He received a master’s degree in anatomy from Loma Linda (Calif.) University, where he also attained his medical degree from the School of Medicine.

Upon completing their fellowship training, Casillas and Oceguera will be eligible for the qualifying and certifying exams of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

The residency program was established in 2008 through a partnership between IU, Franciscan St. Francis and Kendrick and marks the first educational joint venture between Franciscan St. Francis and the medical school, the nation’s second-largest academic medical institution.

The teaching staff comprises surgeons with KendrickRegionalCenter and assistant clinical professors with the IU School of Medicine’s Department of Surgery. They are Drs. Olaf Johansen, Fred Lane, R. Barry Melbert, Bridget Sanders, Dipen Maun and Ben Tsai from Kendrick; and Drs. Bruce Robb and Virgilio George from IU.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS – Behind every patient who is treated or hospitalized is an anecdote, a story to be shared from that person’s experience.

And that is the thrust of a new major advertising campaign at Franciscan St. Francis Health, promoting the hospital’s various clinical programs and services. It’s part of an ongoing rebranding initiative launched earlier this year by the Franciscan Alliance, unifying the names and identities of the corporation’s 13 hospitals in Indiana and Illinois.

The locally focused campaign is called Embracing the Future and it reinforces the hospital’s new name and its ever-evolving clinical care. The ads feature former patients with compelling stories and hospital staff responsible for their care.

“The patients were real – not actors or models – and they were a joy to work with,” said Jennifer Westfall, vice president of marketing and product development. “Their stories are of hope and sure to motivate and inspire others who face life’s many health challenges.”

The Franciscan Alliance campaign – a corporate-wide inititative which augments the local Franciscan St. Francis Health program – will be unveiled in early fall and is designed to educate the public across the state about the myriad resources and capabilities of the system’s hospitals and its 18,000 health professionals.

Friday, July 22, 2011

MOORESVILLE, Ind. -- BrownTownship and Franciscan St. Francis Health–Mooresville have entered into a mutual affiliation agreement to provide emergency medical services in MorganCounty.

BrownTownship emergency medical technicians and paramedics now operate under the medical direction of Franciscan St. Francis, led by Ed Eppler, M.D.

It is the first EMS provider in MorganCounty to become affiliated with the Mooresville hospital.

“Having constructed the new emergency department, it was only fitting that Franciscan St. Francis–Mooresville reach out to the citizens of Mooresville by extending their services into the EMS field,” said Steve Brock, EMS coordinator for Brown Township Fire and Rescue.

Under this new medical direction, BrownTownship providers will be able to not only deliver more enhanced care to the citizens in northern MorganCounty, but will receive their continuing education through the closer local hospital, said Brock.

“We truly look forward to this opportunity,” he said. “It appears to be a win-win opportunity for the citizens, the hospital and Brown Township Fire and Rescue.”

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Board-certified in echocardiography, cardiovascular disease and internal medicine, Rao most recently served as clinical instructor in cardiology at the University of California-San Francisco.

While at the university, he also held chief and clinical fellowships in echocardiography and cardiology and was attending physician at the adult cardiology clinic and adult echocardiography laboratory. Rao also was a research fellow with Genentech Inc.

Rao, who received his undergraduate degree in biology at DePauwUniversity, earned his medical degree and doctorate in molecular and cellular biology at the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed a residency in general internal medicine at DukeUniversityMedicalCenter.

He is a Diplomat with the AmericanCollege of Physicians and holds memberships with the AmericanCollege of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.

The Indiana Heart Physicians, which has served patients in central Indiana since 1978, became part of St. Francis Medical Group in 2009. To learn more about cardiovascular services at St. Francis go to www.myheartcare.net.

Led by President Isaac J. Myers II, M.D., St. Francis Medical Group is a multidisciplinary group of more than 160 physicians practicing throughout central Indiana. These physicians offer a variety of primary care and specialty care services and all practice at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

INDIANAPOLIS – For Paula Egenolf and Janie Eason, nursing is far more than a career. It’s living the Franciscan St. Francis Health mission, providing joyful service, compassionate care and having a respect for life for patients.

The pair of registered nurses are being saluted as the most recent recipients of DAISY awards, presented by Franciscan St. Francis.

Egenolf, who works at the hospital’s Indianapolis campus, was nominated by a co-worker who didn’t work directly with Paula but happened to be visiting a patient when she encountered her. “Explaining a minute-by-minute detail of what would happen during the procedure and taking the patient’s hand and offering to pray with her, Paula inspired me, and I was privileged to share in the moment,” said a fellow nurse.

Eason works in the adult intensive care unit at Beech Grove. Nominated by a co-worker, Eason was commended for helping a family of patient get through a difficult day. “She was happy to care for the patient and family and happy to do what she was called to do as a nurse. Janie is a blessing and a perfect example of our Franciscan values in action!”

The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at 33 of an autoimmune disease. His family was so impressed by the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for him that they created this national award to say “thank you” to nurses everywhere. For more information, go to www.daisyfoundation.org.

Friday, July 15, 2011

The intersection where Albany Street, Sherman Drive (17th Street) and Churchman Avenue will close 8 a.m., Monday, July 18, as work begins to build a roundabout.

The work will close the hospital’s exit at the southwest corner of the campus, a location at the intersection where motorists make a right-hand (west) turn on to Albany. No other entrances or exits onto the campus will be closed. Patients, visitors and employees can continue accessing and exiting the main entrance on Albany Street.

Beech Grove officials say the intersection will be closed for approximately 45 days and will reopen to traffic in early September.

Below for your convenience is a map depicting the work and detour areas.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS – When a person has spent years struggling with being overweight or obese, it may be difficult to imagine life without the associated health complications or the ongoing frustration of not being able to lose weight.

The WeightLossCenter at Franciscan St. Francis Health helps prospective patients with a new easy-to-navigate, Web-based Weight Loss Health Guide is designed to educate them about weight loss surgery options.

It provides confidential online assessments about weight status, eating and exercise behaviors. There is also a weight loss surgery assessment tool which provides a personalized report detailing the weight loss options.

The site also includes a library about the biology of weight loss, learn more about weight-loss procedures, determine if a person is a good candidate for weight loss surgery, read about patients who've had weight loss surgery, and tips for healthy grocery shopping.

Obesity is a disease that affects more than 72 million people in the United States.

“Today, we know genetics, eating habits, emotions, and our lifestyle can lead to obesity,” said Eve Olson, M.D., WeightLossCenter medical director. “People who are overweight know that losing weight is a difficult process – while many succeed at it, many more have tried and failed. They are at risk for developing health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and higher risks for cancer.”

For those with more severe obesity, weight loss surgery offers an opportunity for successful weight loss and improved health status.

To learn more about the Weight Loss Center We welcome you to start your journey to your future by visiting our Weight Loss Health Guide at /www.stfrancishospitals.org/weightloss/

INDIANAPOLIS – Lisa Davey, R.N., has been joined the St. Francis Cancer Center team and will fill the role of breast nurse navigator.

In that role, she will serve as the single point of contact for breast cancer patients and their families, assisting them with coordination of their care from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.She is also a key member of the multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, collaborating with physicians, clinical staff, and support personnel to deliver individualized, evidence-based, and compassionate care.

Davey most recently worked for Health Management Corp, where she was a Case ManagerShe was responsible for collaborating with health-care providers and patients – primarily those with diabetes, heart failure, asthma and other diseases – to promote better health outcomes.

An Indianapolis native, Davey was on staff at Franciscan St. Francis Health from 1981 to 2007. During that time, she served as an oncology unit nurse and preceptor, a radiation oncology nurse and coordinator of pharmaceutical clinical trials.

Davey is a certified managed care nurse, and she earned her nursing degree at the University of Indianapolis.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS – Lung cancer is among the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but if discovered early patients have more treatment options and their odds for survival increase.

That’s why Franciscan St. Francis Health is now offering a low-cost computed tomography (CT) scan for people who are at high risk for lung cancer. The service is the first of its kind to be offered in Central Indiana.

The screenings, which are available at St. Francis Health’s Indianapolis and Mooresville campuses, are offered to individuals who are between the ages of 55 and 75 and who are current or former smokers who averaged one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years.

The $99 screening, which is a self-pay service, includes a lung CT scan and heart scan for coronary artery calcium scoring; complete lipid profile, blood sugar, blood pressure and body mass index screening. The scans are evaluated by certified radiologists and cardiologists.

For those requiring follow-up consultation, a case review harnesses the expertise of St. Francis’ Lung Clinic team of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons and oncologists. This team works closely to forge medical and surgical treatments for the patient.

A recent study – the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) – found that for high-risk individuals, a CT scan can detect lung cancer at earlier stages and reduce deaths by as much as 20 percent.

Appointments for a lung CT screening can be made by calling 877-888-1777.

INDIANAPOLIS – Peggy Homeier has been appointed director of operations for the Franciscan St. Francis Health Network (SFHN).

She comes to SFHN from the State of Indiana Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning, where she served as manager of Medicaid programs.

Homeier also was director of operations and vice president of marketing for Health Systems International and held executive positions with Intercontinental Corp and Golden Rule Insurance

An Indianapolis resident, she is an honors graduate who earned her bachelor’s in business administration at IndianaWesleyanUniversity.

Formed in 1993, SFHN exists to promote the consistent delivery of quality medical care in the most cost-effective setting.The network brings together physicians, community leaders and the hospital to develop managed care strategies in which the continuum of care provided through the network will enhance and promote the improvement of the overall health of the community it serves.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS – Leah Scalf, R.N., has been appointed quality manager of emergency services at Franciscan St. Francis Health’s hospitals in Indianapolis, Beech Grove and Mooresville.

In that role, she serves as an advisor to all medical staff, service lines and other areas to ensure regulatory compliance and to monitor hospital-wide quality and patient safety issues.

Scalf, who has been affiliated with St. Francis Health since 1987, has served as a clinical outcomes specialist, nursing supervisor, clinical educator, patient care coordinator and staff nurse with the hospital’s neonatal intensive care, post-partum and other units.

An Indianapolis resident, Scalf earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the Indiana University School of Nursing. She’s certified in nursing administration through the AmericanNursesCredentialingCenter and is a member of the Indiana Association for Healthcare Quality.

Monday, July 11, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS – The 2011 St. Francis Healthcare Foundation golf outing raised more than $117,000 which will support programs promoting health and healing to hospital patients and their families.

Proceeds from their annual event, which was held in June at Eagle Creek Golf Club, are used to help fulfill the mission of Franciscan St. Francis Health of care for the underserved, care for the dying, spiritual care and professional development.

The Foundation directs philanthropic support to a wide variety of programs including the Memories to Hold bereavement program, Spiritual Care services and the St. Francis Neighborhood Clinic.

“Over the last 25 years, dollars raised from this outing have supported a variety of programs vital to the mission St. Francis Health and in our ongoing outreach to the communities we serve,” said Greg Williamson, Executive Director for the Foundation. “This charity event continues to succeed because of players’ willingness to participate and our many volunteers.We are grateful for the ongoing support from our sponsors, golfers and community friends.”

The St. Francis Healthcare Foundation was established in 1995 as a separate corporation to help advance the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, specifically the service areas of Franciscan St. Francis Health.

More information about the foundation is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/Foundation.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS – Cuts, bruises and even broken bones can heal. But damage to your brain can be permanent.

That’s why — no matter what your age — whenever you bicycle, in-line skate, ski or participate in any activity in which you might get a head injury, one thing is certain: A helmet is a must.

During a fall or collision, a helmet absorbs most of the force of the impact that would otherwise be absorbed by your head and brain. The thick plastic foam inside the hard outer shell of the helmet cushions the impact of a blow.

“Children especially are vulnerable to head injuries because they have proportionally larger heads than adults and their coordination is not completely developed,” said Randall Todd, M.D., medical director of the Emergency Department at Franciscan St. Francis Health. “So it’s more difficult for youngsters to avoid obstacles when biking, skating or doing similar activities.”

Parents should teach by example by always wearing their helmets when playing sports with a potential for a head injury, insisting their children do the same.

St. Francis experts further advise that children should take off their helmets before playing on playgrounds or climbing trees. A helmet’s strap can get caught on playground equipment or tree branches and strangle a child.

Finally, keep in mind that different types of helmets are designed for different types of activities. Only a few can be safely worn for more than one sport — such as a bike helmet, which can be worn for biking, recreational roller- or in-line skating, and riding a non-powered scooter.

INDIANAPOLIS – One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. The risk for breast cancer increases with age with over 70 percent of breast cancers occurring in women who have no family history of the disease.

Denise Johnson Miller, M.D., a breast cancer surgeon at Franciscan St. Francis Health, will discuss general breast health, breast cancer misconceptions and steps women can take to prevent the disease.

She will speak at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 14, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5255 Noggle Way, Indianapolis, at the corner of County Line Road and Emerson Avenue.

The event is free, but reservations are required by calling 317-782-7794. Women of all ages are invited to attend. A light dinner will be provided.

To learn more about breast cancer services at Franciscan St. Francis Health, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/sfmg/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=321

INDIANAPOLIS – Franciscan St. Francis Health is sponsoring Life Line Screenings for adults on Saturday, Aug. 13, and Monday, Aug. 15, at its Indianapolis and Mooresville campuses.

These preventive, noninvasive screenings can assess the risk of heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis:

• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as hardening of the arteries, is a blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs. PAD — sometimes referred to as peripheral vascular disease (PVD) — may lead to loss of limbs and may be an indicator of further cardiovascular problems.

• Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats irregularly and interferes with the pumping capability of the heart. This can lead to pooling of the blood in the heart chambers, resulting in a life-threatening blood clot.

• Carotid artery disease occurs when there is a blockage in the arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Carotid artery disease is the No. 1 cause of stroke and a leading cause of disability and death in the U.S.

•Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an enlargement in the lining of the artery that leads from the heart to the lower abdomen. Rupture of an AAA often results in sudden death.

•Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken and become brittle and can lead to fractures. Usually, osteoporosis occurs when the levels of calcium and other minerals in your bones are low.

Tests are conducted using ultrasound technology and EKG monitoring. The price for all five screenings is $149. Individual tests range from $35 to $60. Blood tests for cholesterol, blood glucose and c-reactive protein also are available.

The Aug. 13 screening is at the Franciscan St. Francis—Mooresville campus, 1201 Hadley Road. The Aug. 15 screening is at Franciscan St. Francis— Indianapolis, 8111 S. Emerson Ave.

Appointments are required and are available starting at 9 a.m. To make an appointment, call toll-free 800-690-0295.

INDIANAPOLIS – One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. The risk for breast cancer increases with age with over 70 percent of breast cancers occurring in women who have no family history of the disease.

Denise Johnson Miller, M.D., a breast cancer surgeon at Franciscan St. Francis Health, will discuss general breast health, breast cancer misconceptions and steps women can take to prevent the disease. She will speak at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 14, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 5255 Noggle Way, Indianapolis, at the corner of County Line Road and Emerson Avenue.

The event is free, but reservations are required by calling 317-782-7794. Women of all ages are invited to attend. A light dinner will be provided.

To learn more about breast cancer services at Franciscan St. Francis Health, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org/sfmg/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=321